Airline travel tips for first time flyers

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 2.5 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports every day. But even with a number that high, there are still millions of people who have never experienced air travel. If you’re flying for the first time, you might be wondering:

Where to buy a ticket

How to pack according to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines

When to get to the airport

How to find your gate

What to expect during the flight

These concerns may leave you feeling uneasy, but once you understand the process you’ll see that flying is one of the safest, quickest and most enjoyable ways to travel. This guide will help educate people flying for the first time — and those who haven’t flown in a while — so they’re able to sit back, relax and enjoy their time in the sky.

Are you moving for work?

According to the US Census, 20 percent of people who moved in 2016 said it was for an employment-related reason — whether it was for a new job, a transfer, to find a job, or to reduce their commute. If you’re planning to relocate for one of those reasons, there are several factors to consider. Make moving for a job easier by understanding what details you’ll need to address.

Preventative pest control

Whether you’ve lived in your home long term or you’re moving into a place that’s been vacant a while, there’s a chance you’ll have to deal with pests. Some you’ll see, like flies and ants, and others, like bed bugs and fleas, you may not. While many pests are simply a nuisance that you want to get rid of, some are more serious — causing damage and posing potential health hazards. Considering this, it’s wise to rid your home of those that are currently there, and take preventive measures to make sure they stay away.

Eielson Air Force Base Relocation

As an active Air Force Base, Eielson is home to more than 2,500 military members. They belong to the 354th Fighter Wing, which provides support to Pacific Air Forces training operations. While the base has been in operation since it was established in 1943, it will soon see growth as it becomes home to the first operational overseas F-35A Lightning IIs. Two squadrons will be joining the base in 2020, with construction beginning in 2017. Whether you have orders to join Eielson now or suspect you’ll be moving there with the addition of the F-35As, take a closer look at what to expect on base.

Want to make Miami your new home?

Whether you dream of spending afternoons on the beach, are moving for a job or just want a great place to retire — consider Miami. From diverse neighborhoods, year-round events, delicious foods and amazing weather, "The Magic City" has many aspects that make people call it home. But before packing your bags, make sure you understand what to expect from life in Miami.

Create the move you need

One of the benefits of moving with U-Pack is that we look at each move individually. In fact, we understand that there's no universal moving solution because everyone has different needs. Because of that, we offer options to customize your experience — from the equipment type and space you use to the way your items are delivered. If you need to unload on a certain day, have parking restrictions on either end of the move, or are moving to a city with lots of street traffic, you may need a special delivery option. Take a look at our delivery choices to find the one that works best.

What extra costs do I need to factor into U-Haul®prices?

U-Haul quotes include pricing for the truck size you request, the pick-up and drop-off locations you’ll be using, and the date you wish to move. But there are several other factors that contribute to the overall price.

United States relocation trends​

The U.S. Census Bureau began collecting housing data in 1940 and has since archived numerous statistics about our moving habits. Using this data and other reputable resources, it’s easy to see some recent patterns in the way we move. For example:

More people moved to the South and West than to the Northeast and Midwest

Larger homes are more popular — median home size has increased by 450 square feet since 2010

Renters are more likely to move than homeowners

Want to learn more about long-distance moving trends? Check out the infographic below to see popular destinations in the U.S. and get information on moving options.

Best floor protection tips

From shoes and pets tracking in the elements to everyday spills and scratches, you may not realize how many things cause wear and tear on your floors. And moving couches, appliances and a lot of boxes into a new home means even more foot traffic and a higher risk for damage. While you may be in a rush to get everything unloaded, there are steps to take before, during and after a move to make sure your floors remain in perfect condition.

Simple ways to keep energy bills affordable

Utility costs can fluctuate for many different reasons, but it usually comes down to inefficient use (a problem often seen with old equipment). And while everyone wants to save money on their bills, expensive upgrades like tankless water heaters or better-performing HVAC systems aren’t always possible. Luckily, there are plenty of easy, budget-friendly ways to spend less on utilities — even if you rent.